A CITY-wide event designed to celebrate art and inspire residents and visitors to Southampton will take place later this month.

The Day of Art is a collection of free events taking place in venues across the city on Saturday March 23.

Families will be encouraged to take part in creative, artist-led drop in sessions to draw, paint and make together. A selection of immersive experiences, public displays, exhibitions, performances, workshops and activities will provide something for everyone.

The Day of Art’s main attraction will be The Accessible Art Show, an event designed to showcase some of Southampton and Hampshire’s finest talent. The show will take place at The Spark, Solent University’s Conference Centre, and will feature work from 50 different local artists, who have used a variety of exciting mediums and sources of inspiration to create their masterpieces. The work will be available to view up close, many artists will be available to meet in person, and all of the art will be available to purchase in a live online auction.

Venues across the city will be hosting various activities, including the Southampton Art Gallery, Nuffield Southampton Theatres, John Hansard Gallery, Re:So at Solent University, City Eye, Solent Showcase, the Art House Gallery Cafe and more.

Event organiser Peter Symonds told the Daily Echo: “This is going to be an art show with a difference. I want everyone who comes to the city on March 23 to find something that will interest them. Whether they want to try a new activity, get their kids involved in creating something fun or buy some unique artwork to display at home, it’s all available. This event is a celebration of the wealth of talent and opportunity we have right on our doorsteps.”

Satvir Kaur, Southampton City Council's Cabinet Member for Homes and Culture, added: “Art and culture has the ability to enrich lives and bring communities together, and this event is a great example of that. It is great lots of partners throughout the city are taking part to make this happen; and not only is it an amazing opportunity for local artists to showcase their talent, but will offer lots of diverse activities for people from all ages, backgrounds and abilities to get involved in. It's a very welcome addition to Southampton’s cultural offer and events calendar and I hope local residents and visitors alike take full advantage.”